Organic agricultural production is increasing in Georgia. Jonathan Oliver, University of Georgia (UGA) assistant professor and small fruits pathologist, wants to help producers be more efficient by researching ways to protect organic blueberries from diseases. According to UGA Extension, the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded a $2 million grant to the team of 15 …
Following Eta, Florida Farmer: Squash is Melting on the Plant
An already challenging year for Florida vegetable farmer Sam Accursio was made worse this week following the impact of Hurricane Eta on his squash crop; hundreds of acres but no production following heavy rainfall and strong winds. “The heaviest impact is going to be to our squash crop. The beans, they were hanging on the plant and they’re up off …
Pecan Prices Remain Low
Rain and wind this week have made it a challenge for Georgia pecan producers harvesting this year’s crop. Farmers still can’t find a ray of sunshine amid declining prices. According to the USDA Pecan Report that was released on Tuesday, prices are lower than a week ago and most farmers with export quality pecans are holding them in storage until …
Pruning tips for ornamental plants
By Brandon Crumsey for UGA CAES News To prune or not to prune, that is the question. Pruning is an important part of maintaining plant health and maximizing plant productivity. This is often a topic that brings fear and confusion, but pruning is, in fact, a beneficial and routine task. Ornamental plants in the home landscape are pruned for several reasons, including maintaining …
Prize-Winning Pumpkin Weighs in at More Than a Quarter Ton
By Austin Clark for CAES News More than 25 pumpkins were submitted to Georgia 4-H’s 2020 statewide pumpkin-growing contest, with the largest pumpkin, cultivated in north Georgia’s Union County, weighing in at a whopping 548 pounds. All Georgia 4-H youth were encouraged to participate by submitting one pumpkin for consideration. Participants took their entries to their local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office …
Lobbyist: We Have to Send a Common Message
One governmental lobbyist believes agricultural groups and organizations need to tackle issues together and not depend on Congress to devise its own playbook with topics that are trending across the country. This would lead to more touchdowns rather than missed opportunities. Bob Redding, who works for the Redding Firm and serves as a lobbyist for agricultural groups in Washington, D.C., …
GATE Renewal Now Open
Annual renewal for the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption (GATE) program is now open. Eligible farmers can renew their GATE card for 2021 online starting Friday, November 6, 2020, by visiting https://forms.agr.georgia.gov/GATE/. GATE cardholders who are to renew in 2021 will automatically be placed on the new three-year renewal program and will receive their renewal invoice in 2024. All current cards will …
How Low Are Pecan Prices Compared to Previous Years?
Pecan prices are devastatingly low for Georgia producers. But how low are they compared to what farmers are used to this time of year? South Georgia pecan farmer Randy Hudson puts it in perspective. “We’re seeing prices anywhere from 30% to 50% less than what they’ve been the last three years,” Hudson said. “It makes a big difference. Of course, …
Falling Pecan Prices Dishearten Growers Amid Bumper Crop
It’s a disheartening feeling to know you have your best pecan crop in years only to face the worst market prices in at least the last 20 years. But that’s what pecan growers in Georgia are facing this fall, according to Lenny Wells, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension pecan specialist. As states like Georgia are currently harvesting a bumper crop, …
Commodity Commission for Wine & Grapes Accepting Nominations for Board Member Positions
ATLANTA, GA– Nominations are currently being accepted to fill five board positions of the newly created Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commission for Wine and Grapes. Persons nominated must be active producers of wine and reside in the State of Georgia. The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Those interested may submit a nominee information form found at agr.georgia.gov/cpf, to Andy Harrison at andy.harrison@agr.georgia.gov or by …